If you’re planning to stay in your house for the rest of your life, consider renovating your bathroom with accessibility in mind. Along with kitchens, bathrooms are one of the spaces homeowners use the most. They also happen to be wet zones. Reducing slip hazards and ensuring adequate lighting and maximum comfort are vital when creating an age-proof bathing space. Universal design features also make a bathroom more accessible for people of any age with a disability or an injury. Here are some ideas that will help make your bathroom safe and easy to use for decades to come.

Include a Shower Bench

A safe place to sit in the shower is vital for an age-proof bathroom design. Decreasing the amount of time you stand in the shower not only eases the strain on your body, it also reduces the chances of slipping and falling. Be sure to install or buy a bench that is large enough to comfortably sit and bathe on.

Your bench may be built-in or free-standing. If space is limited in the shower, consider a bench seat that can flip up when not in use. Waterproof seat cushions can help soften a hard surface.

Install a Handheld Shower Head

Handheld shower heads are easily adjustable for height and, when placed adjacent to your shower bench, enable you to wash up while seated.

Add Grab Bars in the Shower

Sturdy grab bars provide something for you to hold on to as you’re entering and exiting the shower or sitting down on a shower bench or seat. Install one on the outside of your shower and on each of your interior walls so you can safely navigate the space.

Increase the Height of Your Vanity

The standard vanity height is 31½ inches, not including your countertop. This isn’t high enough for some homeowners. Raising the cabinet height to 34½ inches, this will reach standard kitchen counter height, including a 1½ inch countertop, can prevent you from having to hunch over as you’re washing up.

There are two exceptions to increasing the vanity height. If you’re more comfortable with the standard vanity height, don’t increase it. Or if you want to make your vanity wheelchair-accessible, choose a counter height of 34 inches maximum.

Buy a Comfort-Height Toilet

Most toilets are less than 16 inches high. Comfort-height toilets are 17 to 19 inches high, which can make sitting and standing much easier. This can reduce the strain on your back and knees.

Think Twice About Glass

Few things open up a bathroom like glass walls and doors. But keep in mind that shower glass requires upkeep. You need to squeegee it regularly to avoid streak marks. This may make it less convenient for a bathroom designed for aging in place. There are heavy-duty types of shower glass that reduce maintenance, but expect to pay more for it.

Ensure That the Space Is Well-Lit

The better your bathroom lighting is, the less strain on your eyes. You also don’t want to miss any wet spots that can be hidden by shadows. Good lighting comes in many forms, including recessed lighting, vanity lighting, lamps and natural light. You may even consider placing lighting inside an enclosed shower.

Choose Porcelain Wall and Floor Tile

Porcelain can last a lifetime, so chances are you won’t have to replace it as you get older. It’s also perhaps the easiest surface to clean. Water and a rag normally do the trick.

If you’re concerned about grout, look for porcelain tile with a rectified edge. Finely cut edges allow for thin grout joints, as little as 1/16 inch in some styles. You can purchase a presealed grout as well.

Look for Textured Flooring

No matter which kind of flooring you decide to put in your bathroom, choose one that has high slip resistance. A slick tile can increase the likelihood of an injury from a fall. You can spot a floor with good slip resistance by looking for grooves or feeling for texture. Generally speaking, the more textured a floor is, the higher its slip resistance.

There are ways to measure a floor’s slip resistance. Tile, for example, is rated by measuring the coefficient of friction. A flooring material’s slip resistance can normally be found on the manufacturer’s website.

Go With a Curbless Shower Entry

A curbless shower entrance minimizes your risk of tripping over a step as you enter the shower. It’s also a wheelchair-accessible feature.

If you forgo a shower step, your shower floor will need to be properly sloped to allow water to drain correctly. If you do include a step, don’t make it large and bulky.

Consider the Lip Around Your Tub

Pay attention to the width of the lip on a bathtub. When you have to step over a wide tub surround, the gap between your legs gets larger, which can impair balance and increase the chances of falling. A narrower edge can be better for getting into the tub.

Alternately, some prefer a surround that includes an area wide enough to sit down on so they can sit on the edge and swing their legs over into the tub. This is easiest to do if there is a grab bar installed to provide support.

Whether you work from home or just manage bills and other household finances, setting up a dedicated workstation is a great way to stay organized. Resist the temptation to use a corner of the kitchen table as your office area. Unless you’re extremely diligent about putting things away, clutter can build up quickly.

Perhaps you’re fortunate enough to have a spare room that can be used as a workspace. If you don’t have this luxury, don’t despair. Whatever your budget or the square footage of your home, this guide can help you create a dedicated home office area that’s not only functional, but stylish and inviting too.

Home Office Essentials No Matter Your Budget

◦ Flat surface such as a desk or table

◦ Comfortable chair

◦ Office supplies such as a stapler, label maker, pens, scissors, paper clips, envelopes, stamps and notepaper

◦ Drawer or storage box for storing supplies

◦ File drawer, file box or stand-alone filing cabinet

◦ Hanging folders with labels

◦ One inbox

◦ Magazine file boxes — recommended for storing paper collected when managing a large project. Typically, brochures and other paperwork from large projects won’t fit in a hanging file.

Basic Solutions

Setting up a home office doesn’t have to be costly. If your budget is limited, consider repurposing a small table or desk from another part of your home or buying one used. Thrift stores or charity stores sell inexpensive furniture. Consignment stores are often more costly.

If you don’t have space or budget for a small file cabinet, I recommend using an inexpensive plastic file box, a fabric-covered file box, a basket designed for hanging files or a bankers box. Consider storing only active files in your office. Remove files that aren’t current, such as old tax returns or old bills and financial statements. Consider shredding anything not necessary. Store necessary documents that are no longer active in a bankers box at the top of a closet or another out-of-the-way place.

If you don’t have an extra room, set up a dedicated workstation away from the household hangout area. Choose a place where your supplies won’t be disturbed — perhaps a bedroom, an infrequently used dining room or a corner of the living room.

Another option is repurposing a closet as a home office. The easiest approach is to remove the closet’s doors and add a freestanding desk or table, a file cabinet and shelving. You might also consider installing bifold doors that you can close so your belongings can be housed out of sight.

You might want to install wall-mounted shelves to create a small and functional desk.

If you’re coming up short in terms of where to put your dedicated home office, tour your house to see if there are any wide hallways, nooks or crannies that might fit a small desk and some shelves.

Do keep in mind that you’ll need a power source for your electronics and you may need to install lighting. Hiring an electrician will add to the overall cost.

Midrange Solutions

Many furniture stores sell office furniture in a variety of price range. Steer clear of low-cost new office furniture if possible, the drawers often do not pull out smoothly and pieces can break in a few years.

If you’re not in a rush and like to shop, consignment stores can be a good source for high-quality used office furniture.

Stock cabinets might be an alternative to freestanding furniture if the available sizes fit your space.

In some homes it’s possible to remove the wall under the stairs to create a small space for a home office. Do not attempt if this will affect your home’s structural integrity. Check to see if permits are required in your area and proceed only if you’re working with an experienced professional. Remember to factor in the cost of hiring an electrician to install an electrical outlet and lighting.

Deluxe Solutions

Custom cabinets designed to fit the exact dimensions of your room create storage customized to your specific needs. You’ll be able to choose from many attractive design and finish options that are perfectly suited to your space. These types of cabinets are generally quite expensive.

Not all custom cabinetry is created equal, research the options and reading reviews carefully. A product might look great when new but may not hold up over time. Some manufacturers use inexpensive hardware, which means the drawers won’t roll smoothly. That said, there are many reliable companies and craftspeople who provide high-quality products that will stand the test of time.

Custom cabinetry can provide you with many features, including larger file cabinets.

For those who don’t like visual clutter, built-ins can be designed to hide office equipment such as printers and shredders.

Home offices can double as guest rooms. If the room is small and you would prefer not to have a bed crowding your workspace, you might opt to install a fold-down bed as part of your custom cabinetry build.

High-end freestanding office furniture is also available in the luxury price range. Contact a designer or furniture maker to find appropriate pieces to fit your style and needs.

Final Notes

Take measurements carefully before purchasing or acquiring any new office furniture. Be sure to measure the space and also get the measurements on the furniture itself to make sure it will fit.

It is important to establish a dedicated personal office space in your home. This space should be off-limits to other household members. Some of my clients do not work outside the home and spend their time parenting young children. Many are frazzled by the clutter in their homes but never thought about making space for themselves. Managing household business on the kitchen table littered with toys and cracker crumbs can be stressful. Everyone deserves their own personal space, even if it’s only a small cubby.

“Will it affect resale value?” is a common question asked when discussing a remodeling project. But unless you are flipping that property immediately or anticipate selling it within five years, the answer is, “It doesn’t matter.” Tastes change and so do materials. No matter what decisions you make, a new buyer 10 or 20 years down the line will probably want to make their own changes to suit their lifestyle. Therefore, focus on designs that work best for you and your family.

However, this is not to say that all renovations are equal. Colors, styles and materials might change over time, but the need for function is timeless. Here are some home improvements for those looking to add style and function to their house.

Built-In Cabinetry

Having enough storage space to keep clutter at bay is a common design dilemma for many homeowners. Adding built-in furniture-style cabinets is a great way to gain storage space while creating architectural interest in a home.

For example, a built-in bookshelves provide display space for art and accessories that add character to a space.

Banquette Seating

Breakfast nooks with banquette seating are a perfect space-saving choice for small alcoves or corners of your kitchen. Many families like to have an informal place to eat, do homework or have morning coffee.

Another option is a booth-style banquette, it’s like having breakfast at your favorite diner. When remodeling, consider all the ways you can add storage to your planned modifications.

Curbless Showers

A curbless shower is a great feature for giving your bathroom a sleek, streamlined look, but its benefits go beyond appearances. You’ve likely heard the term “aging in place.” It means designing ways for homeowners to stay in their homes as long as possible. One of the ways to do that is to remove barriers that might cause trips and falls as our mobility decreases.

A bench that, when paired with a handheld shower head, allows for showering while sitting down. Add support behind the shower wall so grab bars can be added later, even if they don’t need them now. It’s much easier to do during construction than after the fact.

Mudrooms And Drop Zones

Mudrooms are a great remodeling addition, particularly if your home is in an area with inclement weather.

A well-executed mudroom can be easily cleaned with lots of cubbies, hooks, baskets and bins to contain clutter and keep wet clothing and shoes out of the main part of the home.

Add a drop zone for mail and a bulletin board for family calendars and commitments. You could even add USB outlets in the drawers to charge devices.

Home Offices

The pandemic has certainly changed our views on the need for real office space in our homes. And now that many companies are likely to make working from anywhere a permanent change, your remodeling plans should definitely include carving out space for this purpose.

You don’t have to devote an entire room to creating an office; instead, you can earmark part of a hallway or an alcove. A home office is a great place to invest in function-packed design. 

It is almost time for students, including my  oldest, to be going off to college or univerisity. Whether you are choosing to study from home, rent an apartment or live on campus you need a place that is organized and is a quiet place for study and sleep. Let’s look at durable furniture, small space solutions and incorporate your style to create a place to inspire and help you succeed at school no matter where you live. 

Durable, Functional Furnishings

Dorm-style furniture is often simple in design and gets top marks for durability with its typically solid wood construction. If furnishing an off-campus room, be sure to include these dorm-room necessities: a desk with drawers; a tall bookcase or if you have more floor space, go long and low to make the room feel bigger; an ergonomic chair, because you’re going to be sitting there … a lot; and if space is in short supply, look for a bed with bookshelves built into the headboard.

These functional pieces will last for years but, they might not take your breath away with their style. No worries. You can have fun with the bedding, pillows, desk lamps and other practical accessories that will add style to the space.

You can also switch things up every school year with the latest trends in smaller accessories. Make the space yours!

A Dream Closet

The benefit of most dorm room closets is that they are spacious and incorporate storage needs: rods for hanging, shelves for folded items, mirrors for primping, and hooks for hoodies, robes and jackets. But we always need more storage, right?

So, whether you’re in residence, an apartment or home, consider adding a shelf above the existing top shelf in the closet, go for a temporary one if in residence, and a multi-level shoe rack that can triple the closet floor space. Over-door hanging organizers both inside and out keep your dailies, bathrobe, shower supplies, hats, knapsacks, and more, in clear view and off the floor. By doubling or tripling your storage capacity, you should be able to forgo a bulky dresser in the room.

Make the closet as attractive as the rest of the room. In residence, that might be limited to choosing coloured hangers or you could try an easy-peel wallpaper on the door to help add pattern and colour to inspire creativity in your study space.

At home or in your own apartment you can paint the inside of the closet a colour — something that will brighten your day every time you open it.

Under the Bed

If you’re in the market for a new bed, opt for one that sits high off the floor to allow space for hiding the clutter of bins, luggage and nicnacks. Some beds even have hydraulic lift mattresses that make it easy to access storage space under the mattress.

If you’ve got a standard bed frame, consider getting bed riser blocks that sit under each bed’s leg and lift the bed off the floor, allowing more room for storage. If considering a new bed, keep in mind that a twin bed is 72-inches long and an XL is 78-inches long; you’ll probably want the longer version and remember to purchase the appropriate sized sheets for the bed’s size.

If your bed has a raised base and there is a lot of space underneath, then buy matching storage containers so storage does not appear messy or cluttered. A bed with drawers built into the base is also a great idea to create additional storage.

Easy Ways to Add Personality 

1. Fill the walls with large bulletin boards using easy-remove picture hanging hooks. This will allow you to change up inspirational images, posters and calendars throughout the school year.

2. Bring in a few small plants: They are the easiest roommate you will ever meet!

3. Love to set the mood with music? Invest in a good pair of wireless headphones to enjoy your music without interrupting others’ study or sleep.

Don’t stress about the mess — just take it one step at a time

Facing a cluttered space can feel disheartening — who has the time or the desire to spend all day clearing clutter? But the thing is, making progress toward a clean, clutter-free space doesn’t have to be something you devote an entire day to. Instead, by carving out bite-size chunks of time to work on clearly defined tasks, you can get the serene space you deserve in a way that also works with your schedule. Here are some quick ways to get started.

Edit One Bookcase

If you have a large book collection spread throughout the house, sorting through all those books at once may not be practical. So start with something more doable instead — like one bookcase. Keep an empty box or shopping bag by your side, and fill it with books you no longer want or need. When you’re done, immediately carry the bag(s) to your car and make a plan to drop them off to donate or sell. Here are a few things to consider as you edit:

• Have you read the book? If not, are you really going to read it, or are you keeping it out of guilt?
• Did you enjoy the book? If not pass it on.
•  Will you reread it, refer to it or lend it out? If you’re not likely to ever read it up again, let it go.

Clear The Kitchen Counter

The kitchen counter is such a common dumping ground for all sorts of stuff: school notices, rubber bands, shopping bags, receipts, to-do lists etc. Set your timer and get to work — recycle unneeded papers and put away items that belong elsewhere. If you need a drop-spot on the counter, make it a clearly defined zone to prevent clutter sprawl in the future: Try a bowl for pocket change and a tray or basket for mail.

Make Space Under The Kitchen Sink

When was the last time you really looked under your kitchen sink? This area tends to become a storehouse for random cleaning products, plastic bags and jumbled tools. First, pull everything out and give the cupboard itself a cleaning. Next, replace only the items that you actually use, that are full and in good condition. Recycle empty containers, bring bags to a plastic bag recycling drop-off and move less-often used tools elsewhere.

Make Your Bedside Table An Oasis

Why make a cluttered nightstand the last thing you see before bed and the first thing you lay eyes on in the morning? Clear away the toppling piles of books, scribbled notes and old water glasses, and wipe away the coffee rings — it’s time for a fresh start. Replace only your current reading, a journal and pen, and perhaps a candle or a small vase with flowers.

Winnow Your Wardrobe, One Drawer At A Time

Rather than attempting to tackle your entire closet in one go, set your timer for 30 minutes and start with a single drawer. Keep working your way through your clothes, one drawer at a time, until the timer goes off. Keep two empty bags or bins by your side as you sort, placing quality clothes in good repair in one bag to sell or donate, and worn-out clothes in the other bag and drop these in a textile recycling bin.

Simplify The Linen Closet

Do you know how many sets of sheets and towels you own? If you’ve been accumulating linens for years without purging the old ones, chances are your linen closet is full — or overstuffed. Take this 30-minute session to sort out your household linens, pulling your least favorite or most frayed sets to bring to a textile recycling bin or a charitable donation center. If you hope to donate your old linens, be sure to check with the donation center first, because guidelines on acceptable donations can vary widely. For instance, some may accept tea towels but not bath towels.

Organize Art Supplies

Whether you have kids at home or are an artist yourself, the art supply cupboard is bound to get messy. Toss out or recycle empty containers and dried-up markers. Neaten up what’s left, and if the cupboard still feels too packed, consider offloading a bag full of art supplies to donate to a local school or a family shelter.

Sort Out The Toy Chest

Half an hour isn’t nearly enough time to go through a child’s entire room, but it should be adequate for clearing out one particularly messy toy chest or bin. First, remove all the toys to an area where you have some room to spread out. Put toys that obviously belong elsewhere back in the right spot  and toss or set aside broken items for repair. Fill a bag with unloved toys and put this immediately in the car — otherwise, the toys are likely to migrate out of the give-away-or-sell bag and back into the toy chest!

Remove Worn And Outgrown Clothes

Working through one drawer, shelf or hanging rack at a time, pull out any of your child’s clothes that are too small, or too damaged, to wear. If you plan to save items for a younger child, neatly fold them and place in a bin labeled with the size in a storage closet. Place any clothing that is too worn or damaged to keep or sell in a bag destined for your closest textile recycling bin.

Clear Your Desktop

The next time you find yourself procrastinating instead of getting your work done, step away from aimless social media scrolling, and set the timer for a desk-centered clutter-blasting session instead. Sort and file important papers, shred and recycle unneeded documents, test the pens in your pen cup, and clear out the drawers. There, doesn’t that feel better?